About Us

Thinking in pictures

People who can’t read or who don’t like written words are often very good at reading pictures. That’s why there are no words in our picture stories.

Our books all tell a story, but they also let the reader tell their own story – the one they see in the pictures. This can tell you a lot about a person’s inner world and their understanding of situations. There is plenty to talk about and each story explores feelings and relationships as well as giving information.

All the pictures used in our books are tested by people who find pictures easier than words, to make sure they are easy to understand.

Removing barriers

For someone who struggles with words, there are a lot of barriers to getting the right health or social care and support. Even when a person with a problem reaches someone who can help, like a doctor, a social worker or a therapist, there can be communication problems and anxieties on both sides.

By telling the whole story in pictures, each Books Beyond Words narrative gives people the chance to work together and explore different types of situations:

everyday opportunities and experiences

things that are about to happen, like going to hospital or appearing in court

life decisions, like having a relationship or agreeing to an operation.

things that have already happened, like abuse or losing someone you love